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Asimakidis, ND, Dalamitros, AA, Ribeiro, J, Lola, AC, and Manou, V. Μaturation stage does not affect change of direction asymmetries in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3440–3445, 2022—This study examined whether the... more
Asimakidis, ND, Dalamitros, AA, Ribeiro, J, Lola, AC, and Manou, V. Μaturation stage does not affect change of direction asymmetries in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3440–3445, 2022—This study examined whether the stage of biological maturation can affect interlimb asymmetries during a change of direction (COD) test. Seventy-six young soccer players were divided into 2 different groups according to their peak height velocity stage (PHV): pre-PHV (n = 45, age = 11.8 ± 1.2 years, height = 149.8 ± 9.3 cm, body mass = 43.9 ± 11.2 kg) and post-PHV (n = 31, age = 14.4 ± 0.9 years, height = 170.0 ± 4.9 cm, body mass = 61.5 ± 8.9 kg). Subjects performed a 505 test to measure the completion time in both directions and a 20-m maximum sprint test. Change of direction deficit (CODD) was used as a measure for isolating COD ability. An independent sample t-test detected no significant differences between the asymmetry index values for the 505 test completion time when the pre-PHV group and the post-PHV group were compared (−3.49 ± 2.49% vs. −3.45 ± 2.47%, effect size [ES] = 0.02, p = 0.923). Similarly, the CODD asymmetry index indicated no differences between the 2 groups (−8.21 ± 5.95% vs. −7.37 ± 5.12%, ES = 0.15, p = 0.457). A paired sample t-test revealed that the values of the CODD asymmetry index were larger than those of the 505 asymmetry index (−7.88 ± 5.61% vs. −3.49 ± 2.46%, ES = 1.09, p < 0.001). According to these results, maturational status has no influence on the interlimb asymmetries of COD ability. Furthermore, subjects showed greater asymmetry values in CODD compared with the 505 test completion time, reinforcing that the evaluation of COD asymmetries should be based on CODD. As interlimb asymmetries are not altered during the maturation process, practitioners should address abnormal COD asymmetries early on during athletes' development processes.
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This study examined the maturation pattern of fatigue resistance (FR) from childhood to adulthood in females and males during high-intensity intermittent exercise and compared FR between females and males in childhood and adolescence.... more
This study examined the maturation pattern of fatigue resistance (FR) from childhood to adulthood in females and males during high-intensity intermittent exercise and compared FR between females and males in childhood and adolescence. Thirty males (boys 11.3 +/- 0.5 years, teen-males 14.7 +/- 0.3 years, men 24.0 +/- 2.1 years) and 30 females (girls 10.9 +/- 0.6 years, teen-females 14.4 +/- 0.7 years, women 25.2 +/- 1.4) participated in this study. They performed high-intensity intermittent exercise (4 x 18 maximal knee flexions and extensions with 1-min rest) on an isokinetic dynamometer at 120 degrees s(-1). Peak torque of flexors (PTFL) and extensors (PTEX), and total work (TW) were measured. FR was calculated as % of PTEX, PTFL, and TW in 4th versus 1st set. FR was greater (P < 0.05) in boys versus teen-males and men, and in teen-males versus men. In females, FR was greater (P < 0.05) in girls versus teen-females and women, but not different between teen-females and women. FR was not different in boys versus girls and in teen-males versus teen-females. FR for PTFL, PTEX, and TW correlated negatively (P < 0.001) with the respective peak values (r = -0.68 to -0.84), and FR for TW with peak lactate (r = -0.58 to -0.69). In addition, age correlated (P < 0.01) with FR for males (r = -0.75) and females (r = -0.55). In conclusion, FR during high-intensity intermittent exercise undergoes a gradual decline from childhood to adulthood in males, while in females the adult profile establishes at mid-puberty (14-15 years). The maturation profile of FR in males and females during development appears to reflect the maturation profiles of peak torque, short-term muscle power, and lactate concentration after exercise.
Research Interests: Adolescent, Fatigue, Medicine, Humans, Child, and 15 moreInternal Medicine, Age, Female, Male, Exercise, European, Adult, Intensity, Anaerobic, Muscle Power, Age Factors, Lactic Acid, Exercise Tolerance, Nino, and Macho
Dalamitros, AA, Zafeiridis, AS, Toubekis, AG, Tsalis, GA, Pelarigo, JG, Manou, V, and Kellis, S. Effects of short-interval and long-interval swimming protocols on performance, aerobic adaptations, and technical parameters: A training... more
Dalamitros, AA, Zafeiridis, AS, Toubekis, AG, Tsalis, GA, Pelarigo, JG, Manou, V, and Kellis, S. Effects of short-interval and long-interval swimming protocols on performance, aerobic adaptations, and technical parameters: A training study. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2871–2879, 2016—This study compared 2-interval swimming training programs of different work interval durations, matched for total distance and exercise intensity, on swimming performance, aerobic adaptations, and technical parameters. Twenty-four former swimmers were equally divided to short-interval training group (INT50, 12–16 × 50 m with 15 seconds rest), long-interval training group (INT100, 6–8 × 100 m with 30 seconds rest), and a control group (CON). The 2 experimental groups followed the specified swimming training program for 8 weeks. Before and after training, swimming performance, technical parameters, and indices of aerobic adaptations were assessed. ΙΝΤ50 and ΙΝΤ100 improved swimming performance in 100 and 400-m tests and the maximal aerobic speed (p ≤ 0.05); the performance in the 50-m swim did not change. Posttraining V̇o 2max values were higher compared with pretraining values in both training groups (p ≤ 0.05), whereas peak aerobic power output increased only in INT100 (p ≤ 0.05). The 1-minute heart rate and blood lactate recovery values decreased after training in both groups (p < 0.01). Stroke length increased in 100 and 400-m swimming tests after training in both groups (p ≤ 0.05); no changes were observed in stroke rate after training. Comparisons between groups on posttraining mean values, after adjusting for pretraining values, revealed no significant differences between ΙΝΤ50 and ΙΝΤ100 for all variables; however, all measures were improved vs. the respective values in the CON (p < 0.001–0.05). In conclusion, when matched for distance and exercise intensity, the short-interval (50 m) and long-interval (100 m) protocols confer analogous improvements in swimming performance, in stroke cycle parameters, and in indices of aerobic adaptations after 8 weeks of training.
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Mitochondria play a vital role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, regulating apoptosis, and controlling redox signaling. Dysfunction of mitochondria has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various brain diseases, including... more
Mitochondria play a vital role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, regulating apoptosis, and controlling redox signaling. Dysfunction of mitochondria has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various brain diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and psychiatric illnesses. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between mitochondria and brain disease, focusing on the underlying pathological mechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic opportunities. The review covers key topics such as mitochondrial DNA mutations, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dynamics, calcium dysregulation, and reactive oxygen species generation in the context of brain disease. Additionally, it discusses emerging strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial protective agents, metabolic modulators, and gene therapy approaches. By critically analysing the existing literature and recent advancements, th...
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This study investigated swim coaches' perceptions of professional development issues and current training practices according to their coaching experience, education level, and gender. An online survey (January—April 2022) was... more
This study investigated swim coaches' perceptions of professional development issues and current training practices according to their coaching experience, education level, and gender. An online survey (January—April 2022) was completed by 123 swim coaches (96 male/27 female) of competitive swimmers based in 41 countries. The survey consisted of 36 questions divided into six sections: (1) background information, (2) developing swim coaching through learning, (3) self-evaluation, (4) interpersonal-intrapersonal interactions, (5) life skills, and (6) analyzing swimming performance. Pearson chi-square assessed the relationship between the frequency of responses and professional background and gender. The survey results indicated that swim coaches' educational level is potentially one of the most influential parameters affecting the coaches' perceptions about their own professional development. The data presented may be used for the future design of coach education programme...
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The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an unprecedented long-term cessation in athletes’ training routines. This study examined the effect of a 32-week detraining period, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, on selected neuromuscular... more
The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an unprecedented long-term cessation in athletes’ training routines. This study examined the effect of a 32-week detraining period, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, on selected neuromuscular performance indicators in 29 young male soccer players, assessed close to their adolescent growth spurt (age = 13.0 ± 0.8 years). Change of direction ability of both lower limbs (COD), linear sprint times (10 and 20 m), and vertical jump height (CMJ) was evaluated twice, once before the first national lockdown, and one week after the return to training activities. Paired-sample t-tests detected significant improvements in all three testing variables (COD: 2.82 ± 0.23 vs. 2.66 ± 0.22 s, p ≤ 0.005, 0.001, effect size [ES] = 0.91 to 1.05 for the right and left limb, respectively; 10 m: 2.12 ± 0.16 vs. 1.96 ± 0.15 s, p ≤ 0.001, effect size [ES] = 1.67, 20 m: 3.56 ± 0.3 vs. 3.42 ± 0.27 s, p ≤ 0.001, effect size [ES] = 1.02 and CMJ: 23.3 ± 7.5 vs. 24.5 ± 7.6 c...
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This study examined the maturation pattern of fatigue resistance (FR) from childhood to adulthood in females and males during high-intensity intermittent exercise and compared FR between females and males in childhood and adolescence.... more
This study examined the maturation pattern of fatigue resistance (FR) from childhood to adulthood in females and males during high-intensity intermittent exercise and compared FR between females and males in childhood and adolescence. Thirty males (boys 11.3 +/- 0.5 years, teen-males 14.7 +/- 0.3 years, men 24.0 +/- 2.1 years) and 30 females (girls 10.9 +/- 0.6 years, teen-females 14.4 +/- 0.7 years, women 25.2 +/- 1.4) participated in this study. They performed high-intensity intermittent exercise (4 x 18 maximal knee flexions and extensions with 1-min rest) on an isokinetic dynamometer at 120 degrees s(-1). Peak torque of flexors (PTFL) and extensors (PTEX), and total work (TW) were measured. FR was calculated as % of PTEX, PTFL, and TW in 4th versus 1st set. FR was greater (P < 0.05) in boys versus teen-males and men, and in teen-males versus men. In females, FR was greater (P < 0.05) in girls versus teen-females and women, but not different between teen-females and women. FR was not different in boys versus girls and in teen-males versus teen-females. FR for PTFL, PTEX, and TW correlated negatively (P < 0.001) with the respective peak values (r = -0.68 to -0.84), and FR for TW with peak lactate (r = -0.58 to -0.69). In addition, age correlated (P < 0.01) with FR for males (r = -0.75) and females (r = -0.55). In conclusion, FR during high-intensity intermittent exercise undergoes a gradual decline from childhood to adulthood in males, while in females the adult profile establishes at mid-puberty (14-15 years). The maturation profile of FR in males and females during development appears to reflect the maturation profiles of peak torque, short-term muscle power, and lactate concentration after exercise.
Research Interests: Adolescent, Fatigue, Medicine, Humans, Child, and 15 moreAge, Female, Male, Exercise, Periodicity, European, Adult, Intensity, Anaerobic, Muscle Power, Age Factors, Lactic Acid, Exercise Tolerance, Nino, and Macho
This study examines the relationship between speed reserve (SRes), critical swimming speed (CSS) and anaerobic distance capacity (ADC) and their efficacy in determining training adaptations. Swimmers with previous competitive experience... more
This study examines the relationship between speed reserve (SRes), critical swimming speed (CSS) and anaerobic distance capacity (ADC) and their efficacy in determining training adaptations. Swimmers with previous competitive experience participated in an 8 week aerobic training program (experimental group: E; n = 15, age: 22.29 ± 0.95 years) and a control group refrained from training during the same period (C; n = 6, age: 22.25 ± 2.22 years). SRes was determined pre and post training from the speed difference between the 50 and 400 m maximum tests. Both CSS and ADC were calculated using two different combinations of distances (50 and 400 m: CSS2/ADC2; 50, 100 and 400 m: CSS3/ADC3) by applying the distance-time linear regression model. CSS2 and CSS3 of the E group showed a negative correlation, while ADC2 and ADC3 showed a positive correlation, with SRes before and after the training period (r ≥ -0.66, r ≥ 0.88, p ≤ 0.05). CSS2 and CSS3 increased by 5.5 ± 3.2 and 6.0 ± 3.2%, whereas ADC2, ADC3 and SRes decreased by 12.0 ± 9.4, 9.0 ± 11.2 and 8.1 ± 8.4% with the training program (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that SRes, as calculated from distances of 50 and 400 m, shows strong relationships with CSS and ADC and may be used as an indicator of training-induced changes. These information is expected to facilitate training control and evaluation in a day-to-day basis.
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BACKGROUND Young swimmers are rarely involved in training control, leading to inadequate volume and prescription of training intensities. This study aimed to examine the effect of prescribing and monitoring training intensities around... more
BACKGROUND Young swimmers are rarely involved in training control, leading to inadequate volume and prescription of training intensities. This study aimed to examine the effect of prescribing and monitoring training intensities around critical velocity (CV) on 400 m frontcrawl performance during an 8-weeks period. METHODS Twenty young male swimmers (13.4±1.0 years) were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group (EG) used training monitoring based on intensities around CV (95, 100, 105 and 110% of CV), while for the control group (CG) different heart-rate (HR) zones (EN1+, EN2, EN2+ and EN3) were used as an intensity criterion. The training volume was the same for both EG and CG. A maximal 400 m front-crawl test was performed before and after the 8-week period to determine CV intensities and to assess alternations in performance. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and HR values were also evaluated. RESULTS Significant main effects of time were observed for T400, CV,...
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The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shocked world health authorities generating a global health crisis. The present study discusses the main finding in nutrition sciences associated with COVID-19 in the literature. We... more
The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shocked world health authorities generating a global health crisis. The present study discusses the main finding in nutrition sciences associated with COVID-19 in the literature. We conducted a consensus critical review using primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. The method was a narrative literature review of the available literature regarding nutrition interventions and nutrition-related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main search engines used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. We found how the COVID-19 lockdown promoted unhealthy dietary changes and increases in body weight of the population, showing obesity and low physical activity levels as increased risk factors of COVID-19 affection and physiopathology. In addition, hospitalized COVID-19 patients presented malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamin C, D, B12 selenium, ir...
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The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, now a global health crisis, has surprised health authorities around the world. Recent studies suggest that the measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak have generated... more
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, now a global health crisis, has surprised health authorities around the world. Recent studies suggest that the measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak have generated issues throughout the population. Thus, it is necessary to establish and identify the possible risk factors related to the psychosocial and psychophysiological strain during the COVID-19 outbreak. The present extensive literature review assesses the social, psychological, and physiological consequences of COVID-19, reviewing the impact of quarantine measures, isolation, vast human loss, social and financial consequences in the family’s economies, and its impact on the psychological health of the population. We also discussed the effect of psychophysiological factors, considering the impact of physical inactivity and modifications in nutritional habits, at psychological and physiological levels. The present review includes an actualized to date bibliogr...
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The actual coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the limit of emergency systems worldwide, leading to the collapse of health systems, police, first responders, as well as other areas. Various ways of dealing with this... more
The actual coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the limit of emergency systems worldwide, leading to the collapse of health systems, police, first responders, as well as other areas. Various ways of dealing with this world crisis have been proposed from many aspects, with fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis being a method that can be applied to a wide range of emergency systems and professional groups, aiming to confront several associated issues and challenges. The purpose of this critical review was to discuss the basic principles, present current applications during the first pandemic wave, and propose future implications of this methodology. For this purpose, both primary sources, such as scientific articles, and secondary ones, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases, were used. The main search engines were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The method was a systematic literature review of the available literature regarding the performance...
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In the past 30 years, there has been extended research on athletes’ career development toward a promising dual career. Present research was focused on the description of the legal and educational framework about dual career athletes in... more
In the past 30 years, there has been extended research on athletes’ career development toward a promising dual career. Present research was focused on the description of the legal and educational framework about dual career athletes in Greece, as well as on identifying the obstacles, needs and challenges of elite young and former athletes, and stakeholders in the development of their dual careers. A survey was conducted on a total of eighty-four athletes and stakeholders residents of northern, southern, and central sport destinations of Greece. Young athletes, former athletes and stakeholders completed three different questionnaires. Demographics, attitudes, preferences and actual experiences about their athletic life and career were recorded in parallel with their educational life and professional career. Data analysis supported that elite athletes in Greece neither seemed to follow a common model proposed by the state or national policy nor seemed to be supported by national legis...
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Stress is regulated by the autonomous nervous system, increasing the sympathetic modulation when a threat is perceived. A multifactorial response usually leads to significant behavioural modifications and alterations on homeostasis and... more
Stress is regulated by the autonomous nervous system, increasing the sympathetic modulation when a threat is perceived. A multifactorial response usually leads to significant behavioural modifications and alterations on homeostasis and physical and psychological status. Moreover, stress is an emotional response that can lead to psychosocial and psychophysiological adversity. Regarding military population, military operations and combat exposure are important stressors that influence acute and chronic stress response in soldiers, affecting their performance and health. A bibliographic search was carried out between April and May 2019, focusing on recent studies (2013–2019) that analysed psychophysiological response, stress, stress regulation, heart rate, heart rate variability, and posttraumatic stress disorder in military population. Autonomic and cardiovascular chronic stress seems to be modulated by experience and previous specific training of each military unit. Physical exercise...
In recent years, the interest of female dominance in long-distance swimming has grown where several newspaper articles have been published speculating about female performance and dominance—especially in open-water ultra-distance... more
In recent years, the interest of female dominance in long-distance swimming has grown where several newspaper articles have been published speculating about female performance and dominance—especially in open-water ultra-distance swimming. The aim of this narrative review is to review the scientific literature regarding the difference between the sexes for all swimming strokes (i.e., butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and individual medley), different distances (i.e., from sprint to ultra-distances), extreme conditions (i.e., cold water), different ages and swimming integrated in multi-sports disciplines, such as triathlon, in various age groups and over calendar years. The influence of various physiological, psychological, anthropometrical and biomechanical aspects to potentially explain the female dominance was also discussed. The data bases Scopus and PUBMED were searched by April 2020 for the terms ’sex–difference–swimming’. Long-distance open-water swimmers and pool...
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Athletes' competitive level has an effect on several psychophysiological parameters during the execution of sports-related tasks. This study analyzed the acute effect of a potentiation activity (PAP), composed by 5 loaded box jumps,... more
Athletes' competitive level has an effect on several psychophysiological parameters during the execution of sports-related tasks. This study analyzed the acute effect of a potentiation activity (PAP), composed by 5 loaded box jumps, on specific psychological, physiological and performance-related parameters in 22 trained (COM) and untrained (UNT) adult male swimmers. A control condition was also evaluated. Measurements included the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory, rate of perceived exertion, lower limbs muscle oxygenation, exercise heart rate, vertical jumping ability, 3 different split times and total time-trial performance during an all-out 50-m swim test executed using the breaststroke technique. In addition, total swim strokes and the optimal individual response after the potentiation activity were measured. No significant differences among the two testing conditions were found for all psychological, physiological and performance-related parameters (p > .05) with the exception of total performance time in the UNT group after the PAP condition (41.5 ± 5.3 vs. 41.9 ± 5.5 s; p = .023; ES = 0.6). As expected, the COM group showed enhanced swimming performance during all split times and total time, compared to the UNT group. These results suggest that (i) independently of the training level, psychological responses during sports-related tasks are probably not evident under non-competitive situations and, (ii) competitive level athletes may need more challenging activation stimulus, compared to their less competitive counterparts, to induce the desirable adaptations on the subsequent main activity.
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This study compared the effect of two training strategies differing on the weekly intensity distribution on physiological parameters and running performance in moderately trained endurance athletes. Thirty male athletes were equally... more
This study compared the effect of two training strategies differing on the weekly intensity distribution on physiological parameters and running performance in moderately trained endurance athletes. Thirty male athletes were equally divided into three groups, one following an increasing weekly aerobic intensity distribution (EXP1), one with constant weekly aerobic intensity distribution (EXP2) and a control one, following a freely chosen program (CON). Before the training intervention, athletes performed a maximal exercise treadmill test to quantify the different zones allowing training to be controlled, based on blood lactate concentration values (BLa), over a 4-week period. Changes in exercise heart rate (HR), running velocity and rate of perceived exertion at three exercise intensities corresponding to 2.5, 4 and 8 mmol·L-1 of BLa were analyzed at three testing conditions: before (pre), after two (mid) and four weeks (post). A significant increase (P≤0.05) in running velocity at ...
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This study analysed the effects of two different periodization strategies on physiological parameters at various exercise intensities in competitive swimmers. Seventeen athletes of both sexes were divided to two groups, the traditional... more
This study analysed the effects of two different periodization strategies on physiological parameters at various exercise intensities in competitive swimmers. Seventeen athletes of both sexes were divided to two groups, the traditional periodization (TPG, n = 7) and the reverse periodization group (RPG, n = 10). Each group followed a 10-week training period based on the two different periodization strategies. Before and after training, swimming velocity (SV), energy expenditure (EE), energy cost (EC) and percentage of aerobic (%Aer) and anaerobic (%An) energy contribution to the swimming intensities corresponding to the aerobic threshold (AerT), the anaerobic threshold (AnT) and the velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max) were measured. Both groups increased the %An at the AerT and AnT intensity (P ≤ .05). In contrast, at the AnT intensity, EE and EC were only increased in TPG. Complementary, %Aer, %An, EE and EC at vVO2max did not alter in both groups (P > .05); no changes w...
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This study compared two interval swimming training programs of different work interval duration, matched for total distance and exercise intensity, on swimming performance, aerobic adaptations, and technical parameters. Twenty-four former... more
This study compared two interval swimming training programs of different work interval duration, matched for total distance and exercise intensity, on swimming performance, aerobic adaptations, and technical parameters. Twenty-four former swimmers were equally divided to short-interval training group (INT50, 12-16×50m with 15s rest), long-interval training group (INT100, 6-8×100m with 30s rest), and a control group. The two experimental groups followed the specified swimming training program for 8 weeks. Before and after training, swimming performance, technical parameters, and indices of aerobic adaptations were assessed. ΙΝΤ50 and ΙΝΤ100 improved swimming performance in 100 and 400m tests and the maximal aerobic speed (p<0.05); the performance in the 50m swim did not change. Post-training VO2max values were higher compared with pre-training values in both training groups (p<0.05), whereas peak aerobic power output increased only in INT100 (p<0.05). The 1-min heart rate and blood lactate recovery values decreased after training in both groups (p<0.01). Stroke length increased in 100 and 400m swimming tests after training in both groups (p<0.05); no changes were observed in stroke rate following training. Comparisons between groups on post-training means, after adjusting for pre-training values, revealed no significant differences between ΙΝΤ50 and ΙΝΤ100 for all variables; however, all measures were improved vs. the respective values in the control group (p<0.001-0.05). In conclusion, when matched for distance and exercise intensity, the short (50m) and long (100m) interval protocols confer analogous improvements in swimming performance, in stroke cycle parameters and in indices of aerobic adaptations after 8 weeks of training.
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Previous studies demonstrated significant increases in the shoulder internal rotators’ peak torque values and unilateral muscular imbalances of the shoulder rotators after a competitive swim period. However, there are no similar data... more
Previous studies demonstrated significant increases in the shoulder internal rotators’ peak torque values and unilateral muscular imbalances of the shoulder rotators after a competitive swim period. However, there are no similar data concerning the knee muscles. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a six-month training period on knee flexor and extensor peak torque values, examine a possible bilateral strength deficit and evaluate the unilateral strength balance in competitive swimmers. Eleven male adolescent swimmers (age: 14.82 ± 0.45 years) were tested for concentric knee extension and flexion peak torque (60°/s) with an isokinetic dynamometer, before and after a regular combined swim and dry-land strength training period. A trend towards greater improvements in the knee extensor compared to flexor muscles peak torque was observed. Furthermore, the bilateral strength deficit remained almost unchanged, whereas unilateral strength imbalance was increased f...
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Introduction: Scientific research in swimming has extended the from the factors associated with basic and applied physiology to the factors of kinetic analysis that can influence and predict competitive performance. However, it seems that... more
Introduction: Scientific research in swimming has extended the from the factors associated with basic and applied physiology to the factors of kinetic analysis that can influence and predict competitive performance. However, it seems that these "swimming elements" have been overestimated, since they do not take into account the "non-swimming elements", such as the block start performance, the last meters before the turn and stop, and the total time during the turn. The latter seems to affect the overall performance of swimmers executing the front-crawl technique at values ranging from 20 to 25% for swimming events of 50 to 200m. This variation can be attributed to the different ways of calculating the total time during the turn and the length of the pool used. The turn in freestyle technique can be divided into 5 phases: i) approach, ii) rotation, iii) wall contact, iv) glide and v) stroke preparation. Although the actual time of contact with the wall has been es...
The aim of the present study was to correlate the performance in a modified 45s Wingate test with 1000 and 2000m races in young rowers. Eleven male rowing athletes volunteered to participate in this study (age 14.45±1.35yr, height... more
The aim of the present study was to correlate the performance in a modified 45s Wingate test with 1000 and 2000m races in young rowers. Eleven male rowing athletes volunteered to participate in this study (age 14.45±1.35yr, height 1.71±0.07m, weight 66.82±9.63kg). Every athlete performed the modified Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) for rowing with an “all-out” 45s effort and two simulated 1000 and 2000m rowing races in a Concept II model C air braked rowing ergometer. Peak and mean power values during the WAnT, as well as the fatigue index, were calculated for the 30 and the 45s, using the best 5s averages. Statistical analysis showed significant correlation only between the values of max30 and mean30 and time in 1000 and 2000m simulated races. These results suggest that the modified 30s Wingate Test for rowing can be used for the evaluation and prediction of young rowers performance
Pre-activation training protocols prepare in the best possible way, athletes to perform with the best possible manner the specific movements as running velocity, jumping, etc. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of... more
Pre-activation training protocols prepare in the best possible way, athletes to perform with the best possible manner the specific movements as running velocity, jumping, etc. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex training in maximum running speed and its individual phases in adoles-cent athletes. Twenty-two track and field sprinters volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were divided into two equal groups of eleven athletes, an experimental group (EG) (age 15.6 ± 0.9 years, height 175.7 ± 5.8 cm, body mass 62.7 ± 4.1kg, body fat percentage 7.9 ± 1.7%) and a control group (CG) (age 15.5 ± 0.7 years, height 173.2 ± 5.0 cm, body mass 65.6 ± 8.6kg, body fat percentage 8.6 ± 1.3%). The EG imple-mented the experimental protocol simultaneously with the rest of training process for eight weeks, while CG continued its normal training without using the combined method of experimental protocol. Participants in EG performed the complex training ...
The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in parameters of physical conditioning in professional basketball players after an 8- week pre-season training program. Twelve professional basketball players from a second National... more
The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in parameters of physical conditioning in professional basketball players after an 8- week pre-season training program. Twelve professional basketball players from a second National League team volunteered to participate in this study. All were assessed for isokinetic strength of quadriceps and hamstrings, Vo2max, vertical jumping, % body fat, and flexibility before and after the pre-season training program. Significant changes were observed in all the above parameters between the first and the second measurement (P < 0.05), with the exception of the percent body fat values. In conclusion, 8 weeks of systematic training were sufficient to improve all physical conditioning parameters that are vital for basketball players.